Fireflies have a very tidy language of light—each species has its own rhythm, just like a secret code. When you see a flash, it’s usually a mating signal, but some species flash to warn others of danger or to attract prey. In the dark, the only thing that’s louder than their glow is the hush that follows, the quiet conversation of predators and prey that only they can read. If you’re ready to pry into that, start by noting the pattern and timing; that’s the first chapter of their gossip.